Course Overview
AFAA’s Group Fitness Instructor certification is built on the foundation of AFAA’s reputation of more than 30 years as a leader and innovator of group based fitness. Taking the theory from the exercise library to bring it where it is needed most—the fitness center, the home gym, the street—this new text takes the group fitness industry’s successes of the past and realigns them with modern scientific research to effectively help a new instructor navigate a career in fitness.
Not only will AFAA’s new course provide for all of the necessary entry-level skills to become an in-demand instructor, it will inform you about format-specific classes and help you navigate various career paths within the fitness industry. The course provides real-life application to specific exercise formats, examples of cueing, communication, and instruction, and comprehensive exercise technique videos.
- Demonstrate comprehension of fundamental scientific concepts related to exercise science.
- Design a well-structured and balanced fitness class or workout for a diverse group of participants that is both safe and effective.
- Demonstrate comprehension of key instruction and presentation skills necessary for effective group instruction.
- Demonstrate key traits of professionalism as a Group Fitness Instructor.
- Demonstrate the key skills and knowledge required to be a competent Group Fitness Instructor.
Pedagogical Features
This text employs strategic learning features that not only make the content more digestible but also turn theory into practice. The chapter progression weaves evidence-based research, science, and application throughout the en- tire text, in order to enhance learning and contextual understanding. The new features are as follows:
- Caution—Distinct things instructors should be aware of as they relate to scope of practice and potential pitfalls.
- Check it Out—Quick tips and/or facts that have an apparent application and real-world usability. This feature enables the reader a quick insight and application to the concepts read.
- Instructor Tips—Inside-the-industry application tips from experts with years of experience.
- Memory Tips—Tips and tricks for instructors to easily remember complex terms without the extended effort of rote memorization.
- Practice This—On-the-spot activities to help instructors practice and apply the content.
What is the purpose of this exercise?
Does the exercise create any safety concerns?
For whom is the exercise appropriate or inappropriate?
Are you doing the exercise effectively?
Can you maintain proper alignment and form for the duration of the exercise?
AFAA’s 5 Questions™
Individuals in a fitness class usually have diverse characteristics and goals. Therefore, more conservative guidelines are recommended. All movement can fall within safe guidelines as long as movements are evaluated from two viewpoints: effectiveness (benefit) and potential injury quotient (risk). With this perspective in mind, AFAA presents the historical, and ever-relevant, AFAA 5 Questions™
When evaluating the purpose of an exercise, the Group Fitness Instructor should consider the main adaptation of the exercise. Is the exercise for flexibility, movement prep, cardio, endurance, strength, power, etc.? Once the purpose of an exercise is identified, it will dictate how the exercise will be performed and when it will be used within the class.
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